Nigerian boss Keshi wary of Carlos Queiroz experience

Nigeria’s captain Joseph Yobo and Iran’s captain and midfielder Javad Nekounam. — AFP

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi believes getting the better of his opposite number Carlos Queiroz will be the biggest challenge for his side as they take on Iran in their World Cup opener on Monday.

The Super Eagles have taken just two points from six matches in their last two appearances at the World Cup, but have higher hopes this time around after winning the African Nations’ Cup last year.

“I think their coach is their biggest weapon, because he’s well experienced, he knows the game well,” Keshi told FIFA.com

“For the Iran game we have to be focused. We have to concentrate and do our job. We’re not going to take Iran lightly because they’re not going to take us lightly, so we have to go out with everything that we have. “They have a very good coach and I’m sure they also have some quality players. We don’t know Iran very well, but we’ll see them on Monday.”

Nigeria’s campaign will be spearheaded by Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, whilst captain Joseph Yobo could make his 100th appearance for his country against Argentina in the final group game.

And Keshi is relying on them to guide his young squad.

“You can’t buy this sort of experience. I pray that Enyeama, Yobo and Mikel Obi will bring all their experience. Youth is good, but if we can combine youth and experience that will be great for us.”

Iran’s preparations for their fourth World Cup have been far from ideal with international sanctions on the Iranian government leading to a lack of funds to arrange friendly matches.

They did go unbeaten in four hastily arranged warm-up games for the tournament against modest opposition, but managed to win just once in a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago last week.